Theater Review: 'White Christmas' delivers in a big way

Wednesday

Dec 6, 2017 at 8:01 AMDec 6, 2017 at 8:12 AM

By Jeanné McCartin

Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" is the ultimate 1950s BIG Christmas show, BIG. It's a demanding production with a large costume plot, numerous scenic demands, a hefty cast and major production numbers. The Ogunquit Playhouse production in partnership with The Music Hall delivers this classic in a big way.

“White Christmas” is based on the 1954 film of the same name, featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen.

The stage version checks off all the boxes in this feel-good period piece: Silly and longing love, laughs, patriotism, picture-perfect Christmas, misunderstandings and crisis, extravagant song and dance routines, memorable music and the all-important "Let's put on a show" and rescue the day.

The piece is set a decade after World War II. Vets Bob Wallace, the serious one, and Phil Davis, the good-time guy, are now a renowned song and dance act.

The short of it is, they meet up with the Haynes sister act featuring Betty, the serious one, and Judy, the live wire. Smitten with one another, Phil and Judy hatch a plan to have the men follow the ladies to Vermont, where they're scheduled to perform at a ski lodge, which – as 1950s plots would have it – is, unbeknownst to all, owned by Wallace and Davis's former commanding officer General Waverly.

This play has a bevy of loved standards, the title song along with"Sisters," "Snow," "Count Your Blessings, "How Deep is the Ocean," and others.

Director Jaymhe McDaniel goes straight for the glossy, sunny, effusive '50 style, and nails it. The peppy people are just that; the forlorn and angry just enough; the is chorus spirited, and so on. So it is scripted, so it will be, and for McDaniel does not disappoint. McDaniel also keeps things moving and interesting.

The choreography by Kelli Barclay is Broadway extravaganza. Barclay sure knows how to put layers of crinoline to work. The compositions are smart and dynamic, whether romantic or robust, tap or waltz. Each is a spectacle for its own reason, enticing, exciting and attractive.

The cast is a beautiful collection of exquisite voices and dancers, just what the big production and individual characters call for.

David Elder's voice quality is a righteous match to Bob's iconic tunes – "White Christmas," "Count Your Blessings, "How Deep is the Ocean," and others. His body language (and dancing) are equally fitting. On opening weekend, it was his dialogue delivery that fell short; too often dropping into an inauthentic intone. That said, Elder will satisfy "White Christmas" fans.

Kate Loprest makes a perfect Betty. Everything from her carriage and intonation mark this talented actress as "the serious sister," which is why it's all the more satisfying to watch her guard come down. Loprest also brings a marvelous voice, and elegant dancing

Vanessa Sonon's Judy is ben Widmar's equal. Sonon's character is sassy and sure, and the actress's voice attractive, and footwork magnificent. The dance routines featuring Sonon and ben Widmar are production highlights; whether poetic or rapid fire, all are tight, beautiful and satisfying.

Sally Struthers does what Sally Struthers does – entertain. This actress with her fine-tuned comedic chops, gives a robust performance as the sassy, good-hearted Martha, the General's right-hand woman. The performance is topped off by a character-laced voice perfectly fitting Martha's songs. Struthers has earned a big Seacoast following over the years with her work at the Playhouse; this performance assures she'll keep them.

Steve Brady, as the General, Ryan Steer as Ralph, a producer at "The Ed Sullivan Show," Kahlia Davis as Rita and Elise Kinnon as Rhoda are spot on. The role of Susan the general's granddaughter was played effectively by Bunny Baldwin, who shares the role with Katie Wylie. The remainder of the cast is solid to outstanding.

The ensemble members act, dance and sing it up like the pros they are, making this the exciting song and dance-driven holiday event it is. Every production number is a thrill, thanks to this talented collection.

Music Director Jeffrey Campos' work is perfect; the band impeccable. The lighting design by Richard Latta is everything this show needs.The scenic and costume design are Broadway originals by Anna Louizos and Carrie Robbins respectfully.

This is "White Christmas's" second time around at the Hall; the team produced it a few years back. If you enjoyed the first one, you'll like the latest. If you missed the first production, here's another chance to experience a polished production of a holiday classic, live - snow and all.